Man Crashes, Flees Scene, Hits Tree, Gets Arrested

A 21-year-old Crystal Lake man was arrested after he allegedly hit a parked car, fled the scene and hit a tree.

According to Crystal Lake Police, officers were called out to the 600 block of Coventry Lane at 9:27 p.m. March 25 after a witness allegedly observed Oscar Mendez, 21, of 240 Circle Drive, Crystal Lake hit a parked 1996 Ford Explorer while he was driving southbound on Coventry Lane.

According to police, Mendez left the scene after the collision and continued traveling south on Coventry Lane, where his vehicle collided with a parkway tree.

Upon arrival patrol officers were advised by a witness that one driver had fled the scene of the crash on foot. This subject was quickly located and taken into custody.

Due to substantial damage, both vehicles were towed from the scene. 

Mendez suffered minor injuries as a result of the collisions and was transported to Centegra Memorial Medical Center in Woodstock by Crystal Lake Fire Rescue ambulance where he was treated and later released, according to police.

Mendez was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to leave information after striking unattended property, not having a valid drivers’ license, resisting a peace officer, BAC over .08 (all Class A misdemeanors), failure to use due care and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle.

Mendez was later released after posting bond. He is scheduled to appear in court at 8:30 a.m. April 19 at the McHenry County Courthouse.